Bridget loves her job, her vibrator, and the single life. The only problem? Her brother keeps trying to hang himself in her clothes closet… so Bridget decides to find him a mate in the most unromantic way imaginable: by tricking Chloe, a complete stranger, into signing a contract to be Jeremy’s live-in girlfriend. The worst thing is, it’s working: Chloe and Jeremy are in love… A smart, malicious, very theatrical comedy about couples, conformity, and love among the Millennials.

Cast size: 2F/1M

This translation was commissioned by Ruby Slippers Theatre and supported by a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts' Theatre International programme. A public reading was presented by BoucheWHACKED! Theatre and Ruby Slippers as part of the rEvolver Festival's Ta Gueule reading series. The director was Diane Brown.

Published as You Are Happy by Playwrights Canada Press, 2016.

"This is a play for our times. Love not only thinks it can get away with anything but in You Are Happy, it actually does."– Ottawa Tonite

"This play is at times painfully funny... 70 minutes of uncomfortable delight." – apt613.ca

“A reflection on the social pressures brought to bear on single people . . . It doesn’t draw conclusions, it’s very empathetic, very Québécois, yet also quite tough on prejudices and stereotypes. I found it highly intelligent and very well done.” – Radio-Canada

“In the end, it doesn’t take much to make a good piece of theatre. You just need a good text, two or three well-chosen props, and actors capable of making you believe their incredible story. Deux ans de votre vie [You Are Happy] brings all of these elements together, but makes its mark above all thanks to the writerly voice of Rébecca Déraspe.” – La Presse

“This absurd and refreshing fable written by Rébecca Déraspe . . . is like a cool breeze at the end of summer, and will surely provide an enjoyable evening for lovers of sprightly and intelligent theatre.” – Canoe

“It’s a piece that blends lightness and substance with dexterity... A must-see.” – LeQuatrième

“With a sparse set and witty dialogue, three actors command the stage in this story of forced love.” – The Peak

CHLOE: He places his hand on my headStrokes my hairLike I've turned into the softest thing in the worldI've turned intoThe softest thingIn the whole entire WorldAnd suddenly I'm running on hot sand with my blue dress blowing in the breeze and I don't smoke any more either I'm healthy and I love the hot ocean wind over wide-open landscapes

We're going to kiss in less than three secondsI'm scared I've forgotten howI feel like a twelve-year-old at a bonfireHe kisses me

You Are Happy, by Rébecca Déraspe

[Translated from Deux ans de votre vie]

Winner of the Prix BMO: nominated for the Stage West Pechet Family Comedy Award.

Bridget loves her job, her vibrator, and the single life. The only problem? Her brother keeps trying to hang himself in her clothes closet… so Bridget decides to find him a mate in the most unromantic way imaginable: by tricking Chloe, a complete stranger, into signing a contract to be Jeremy’s live-in girlfriend. The worst thing is, it’s working: Chloe and Jeremy are in love… A smart, malicious, very theatrical comedy about couples, conformity, and love among the Millennials.

Cast size: 2F/1M

This translation was commissioned by Ruby Slippers Theatre and supported by a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts' Theatre International programme. A public reading was presented by BoucheWHACKED! Theatre and Ruby Slippers as part of the rEvolver Festival's Ta Gueule reading series. The director was Diane Brown.

Published as You Are Happy by Playwrights Canada Press, 2016.

"This is a play for our times. Love not only thinks it can get away with anything but in You Are Happy, it actually does."– Ottawa Tonite

"This play is at times painfully funny... 70 minutes of uncomfortable delight." – apt613.ca

“A reflection on the social pressures brought to bear on single people . . . It doesn’t draw conclusions, it’s very empathetic, very Québécois, yet also quite tough on prejudices and stereotypes. I found it highly intelligent and very well done.” – Radio-Canada

“In the end, it doesn’t take much to make a good piece of theatre. You just need a good text, two or three well-chosen props, and actors capable of making you believe their incredible story. Deux ans de votre vie [You Are Happy] brings all of these elements together, but makes its mark above all thanks to the writerly voice of Rébecca Déraspe.” – La Presse

“This absurd and refreshing fable written by Rébecca Déraspe . . . is like a cool breeze at the end of summer, and will surely provide an enjoyable evening for lovers of sprightly and intelligent theatre.” – Canoe

“It’s a piece that blends lightness and substance with dexterity... A must-see.” – LeQuatrième

“With a sparse set and witty dialogue, three actors command the stage in this story of forced love.” – The Peak

CHLOE: He places his hand on my headStrokes my hairLike I've turned into the softest thing in the worldI've turned intoThe softest thingIn the whole entire WorldAnd suddenly I'm running on hot sand with my blue dress blowing in the breeze and I don't smoke any more either I'm healthy and I love the hot ocean wind over wide-open landscapes

We're going to kiss in less than three secondsI'm scared I've forgotten howI feel like a twelve-year-old at a bonfireHe kisses me

A short trailer for the Vancouver production of Deux ans de votre vie by Théâtre la Seizième, directed by Craig Holzschuh. Starring Julie Trépanier and Corey Haas.

You Are Happy premieres at Great Canadian Theatre Company.

Katie Bunting and David Benedict Brown, at GCTC, under the artistic direction of Eric Coates. The director was Adrienne Wong; set by John Doucet, lighting by Chantal Labonté, costumes by Vanessa Imeson. (JVL Photo)